The new year has arrived and of course there is already a lot on the Dordt UITagenda. In order not to miss anything, we are passing on some important dates that you really should put in your calendar. This year there is something for everyone when it comes to the events calendar. We have selected a few for you.
Events in 2025: bring on the fun!
April 19: Dordt Pakt Uit
Under the motto 'Dordt entrepreneurs put out the flowers', Saturday, April 19 promises to be a festive day. During the edition of Dordt Pakt Uit, visitors can once again enjoy atmospheric music, surprising street theater and numerous small and big surprises in the city center. Thanks to the organization of Promotie Ondernemers Binnenstad Dordrecht (POBD), there is plenty to see, experience and discover. The shopkeepers will provide extra cosiness in and around their stores, so that shoppers can look forward to a special and cheerful day!
May 29 to June 1: Spoonful Spoonful
During the Ascension weekend, from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1, Lepeltje Lepeltje lands in the renovated Weizigtpark. For four days, visitors can enjoy culinary delights, live music and electronic beats. The park will be filled with atmospheric market stalls full of special products, while the youngest visitors will have fun with creative children's entertainment. The musical program and a preview of the participating food trucks will soon be available on the event website. As always, admission to Lepeltje Lepeltje is completely free.
June 13 & 14: Wantijlive and Wantijpop
Wantijlive and Wantijpop annually bring families, friends and girlfriends together. Enjoying the best acts, the best food and the nice atmosphere together is typical Wantijlive and Wantijpop! Will these events also kick off your festival summer? Wantijlive is the music festival showcasing the best live acts from Dutch soil, in the beautiful and intimate Wantijpark. Wantijpop has not only famous Dutch top acts but also the Popcentrale field with the coolest local acts. You will find the most fun activities for kids at King Oak, you can dance to house sounds at the Secret Tunes and feast on the tastiest food from the region. All this makes that both events can be counted among the top fun (free) activities in Dordrecht - and the region.
June 21 to 29: Summer Fair XXL
The Summer Fair XXL is coming back to Dordrecht! At the end of June, you will enjoy a whole week of the most fun attractions, games and activities at the event location on the Laan van Europa. Whether you are a real daredevil who does not skip a roller coaster, prefer to enjoy the nostalgic merry-go-round or try out cheerful children's attractions together with the little ones, there is something for everyone. Throughout the week there are also a variety of extra activities such as live entertainment, music, meet & greets and special discount days. The Avenue of Europe offers plenty of space to stroll, enjoy the smell of freshly baked treats and socialize with family, friends or colleagues.
July 11 to 13: Big Rivers
Dordrecht will once again be the New Orleans of the Low Countries in July. The purple, green and gold Mardi Gras necklaces can come out of the closet for the multi-day music festival Big Rivers. This time from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13. There are musical activities for young and old on various stages throughout the city. There is also a cozy festival market that you can find on the Grotekerksbuurt and the Groenmarkt. The performances will take place in the Grotekerkstuin, Korte Kalkhaven, Grote Markt, Statenplaats and De Waag, among others. As soon as the lineup is known you can find it on the Big Rivers website. We are already looking forward to the summer after reading all this fun!
Aug. 10 to 13: Pasar Malam Istimewa
The Pasar Malam Istimewa in Dordrecht is the largest free outdoor Pasar Malam in the Netherlands. Visitors come from all over the Netherlands to the Pasar for the good food, the music and of course the fun. The smell of fresh lime, ginger and turmeric will literally make your mouth water. During the Pasar, the Statenplein and Sarisgang are filled with food stalls where you can feast on Asian dishes. Stalls with wood carvings, health products and calligraphy, and music performances with exotic dancers complete the Oriental experience.
Sept. 13 & 14: Heritage Days
Dordrecht is a true city of monuments and counts more than 1,000 monuments. The city was already big in the Middle Ages and developed into the trade and administrative center of Holland, experiencing its own golden age as early as the 14th century. Walking along the inner harbors, the important transshipment goods of the time are still clearly reflected in the street names, as the names Wijnstraat and Wijnhaven betray. During Open Monument Days, many monuments open their doors, extra fun because these monuments are not normally open to visitors. Visit the monuments of your choice and join one of the city walks. Or enjoy the music programming. This year's theme is "Heritage and Architecture. Various activities are organized around the theme.
Oct. 11: Dordt Culture Night
The Dordt Culture Night is the time to experience the rich culture of Dordrecht in a unique way! On the second Saturday of October, art and cultural institutions open their doors for a special and free program that takes visitors of all ages on an evening full of surprises. From inspiring exhibitions and intimate concerts to compelling theater performances and creative workshops, there is something for everyone. Between 6 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., the city buzzes with energy and you will discover how diverse and sparkling the cultural offerings of Dordrecht are. Put on your walking shoes, immerse yourself in art and conviviality, and experience a night you won't soon forget!
November 2: DrechtStadLoop
On the beautiful and unique course in early November, hundreds of runners will compete against the clock and themselves during the DrechtStadLoop. There is a choice of various distances, all starting and finishing on the Statenplein in the historic heart of Dordrecht.
With musical support, it will be a fun and sporting event for runners and spectators alike. A unique medal will again be waiting for each participant at the finish line.
